Chapter 121

“Qiao Zhongguo and Xiao Hongda hugged for a long time. If it weren’t for the space limitation, they could have wrestled right there!

From the few words they exchanged, Qiao Jiaojiao finally understood the general process.

“So, Dad and General Xiao were in the same batch of soldiers when they entered the camp.”

“The two sympathized with each other and became sworn brothers before parting ways!”

At this moment, Qiao Zhongguo and Xiao Hongda sat facing each other, reminiscing about past anecdotes, unable to help bursting into laughter.

Outside the door, the righteous brothers couldn’t help but show surprise at the hearty laughter.

Can Dad and General Xiao get along so well?

Inside, the two chattered for a while longer, before Qiao Zhongguo finally brought up the matter of military power.

“Old Da, do you have any capable deputy generals under your command?”

Upon hearing this, General Xiao also became serious.

“Deputy General Zuo has been stationed with me in the southern border for nearly twenty years, loyal to the court, though not exceptionally brave, he has proven himself reliable in defense. If he temporarily takes on the position of Vanguard General, there shouldn’t be any problem.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Zhongguo felt much relieved.

During such a critical moment of transition of military power, they absolutely couldn’t afford to leave any loopholes for Nanli to exploit!

“Old Da, do you have any candidates in mind for the new Vanguard General?”

On this matter, General Xiao nodded without hesitation.

“In my mind, there are only two most qualified individuals to succeed me, one is you, and the other is General Guo.”

“If the Emperor asks, I will definitely recommend General Guo.”

Speaking of General Guo, General Xiao’s face was filled with gratitude and admiration.

“If it weren’t for General Guo’s careful guidance in the past, neither of us might have achieved what we have today. I have great respect for General Guo. If he can take on the position of Vanguard General, I will be completely at ease.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Jiaojiao understood.

“So, Dad was waiting here for General Xiao.”

“So, this is about uniting with General Xiao to eliminate hidden dangers and promote General Guo?”

Qiao Zhongguo nodded. He patted Xiao Hongda on the shoulder and said solemnly,

“Old Da, we are bound by life and death, so I won’t hide anything from you.”

So Qiao Zhongguo informed General Xiao of the Second Prince’s ambitions, the Crown Prince’s situation, and the matter of General Guo’s son, Guo Gaoyi.

General Xiao had been away from the court for many years, thinking that the position of the Crown Prince was extremely stable, but he didn’t expect so many internal affairs. His expression couldn’t help but change slightly.

It’s worth noting that General Xiao is the Crown Prince’s future father-in-law, the future National Father. He would definitely stand on the Crown Prince’s side.

“Old Qiao, I know you’re resourceful, so tell me, what do you want to do? I’ll fully cooperate with you!”

Qiao Jiaojiao understood instantly.

“Now it seems that General Guo is indeed the most suitable candidate.”

“After all, Nanli is definitely not to be underestimated. They often harass the border, testing the attitude and strength of Yong Dynasty.”

“If the general sent to the southern border lacks the ability to firmly resist them, it’s highly likely to provoke Nanli’s ambitions, and then the people of the southern border will suffer!”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Zhongguo became even more determined in his thoughts.

“Old Da, I might have to apologize to General Guo!”

General Xiao’s heart skipped a beat, “Are you going to…”

Qiao Zhongguo’s expression turned cold and stern. “If someone has done something wrong, they shouldn’t expect to get away unscathed. That Guo Gaoyi should be punished!”

“General Guo is known for his integrity and righteousness. He shouldn’t be coerced into this, nor should his reputation be tarnished.”

“From what I know of General Guo, he will undoubtedly choose the greater good, even if it means sacrificing family ties. When the Emperor considers General Guo the most suitable candidate to guard the southern border, he might spare Guo Gaoyi’s life!”

Upon hearing this, General Xiao’s thoughts surged, and he suddenly stood up.

“Old Qiao, let me take care of this matter!”

“The issue in the southern border arose because I relinquished military power. It’s only reasonable for me to approach General Guo.”

“You shouldn’t interfere. If you raise suspicions above, it will be more trouble than it’s worth!”

Qiao Jiaojiao felt extremely grateful for General Xiao’s insight and righteousness.

“This matter is thankless, and General Xiao willingly taking over it truly speaks volumes about his feelings towards Dad!”

“Dad truly has no say in this matter. If he’s discovered by the Emperor, the Emperor will definitely suspect Dad’s intentions!”

Qiao Zhongguo and Xiao Hongda were as close as brothers. There’s no need to push this matter further. If Xiao Hongda ever needs him in the future, he will be the first to step up without hesitation.

“Alright, Old Da, this is a matter of great importance. I entrust this heavy responsibility to you!”

Xiao Hongda nodded solemnly, “Old Zhong, rest assured!”

The two then discussed some details. Qiao Jiaojiao, listening to them, drifted off in her thoughts.

“The male lead is definitely clever. He will surely guess that General Guo is the most suitable candidate.”

“I don’t believe he will give up such an important leverage. After all, once he controls General Guo, he essentially controls the military power of the southern border!”

“But this time, without the list of cheating in the imperial examinations, what can the male lead do?”

Qiao Jiaojiao tried hard to put herself in the male lead’s shoes, recalling all the information she had gathered about him during this time.

“If there’s a flaw in General Guo, it’s only Guo Gaoyi, that cursed son of his.”

“And the flaw of Guo Gaoyi, apart from the cheating in the imperial examinations, is…”

At this moment, Qiao Jiaojiao suddenly remembered what Qiao Tianjing and Tan Hanchi had said yesterday.

“I heard he loves reciting poetry and couplets, to the point of obsession…”

“Oh my god!”

Qiao Jiaojiao suddenly shuddered, almost falling onto the soft couch.

Qiao Zhongguo, who had been paying attention to Qiao Jiaojiao, quickly helped her up.

Qiao Jiaojiao exclaimed in a panic.

“I know what the Second Prince is planning to do! He definitely won’t sit idly by!”

“Meng Guxue! Meng Guxue!”

“If there’s anywhere in this world where the most exquisite poetry and literature resides, it’s definitely in Meng Guxue’s mind!”

Qiao Zhongguo’s face suddenly changed dramatically.

Qiao Jiaojiao tightly held Qiao Zhongguo’s hand, wishing she could spit out the words!

“A few days ago, at the Dragon Boat Festival banquet, at the Yuhua Lake, the Second Prince went to chase after Meng Guxue!”

“As a result, everyone left the palace, but Meng Guxue hadn’t returned late. The two of them talked for so long!”

“On the day of the banquet, Meng Guxue just happened to showcase her talent. If the Second Prince had been focused on military power from the beginning, he would have definitely inquired about General Guo early on.”

“Once he found out that General Guo himself was impeccable, he would definitely start with his family, and he wouldn’t miss the flaw of Guo Gaoyi!”

“Meng Guxue is probably going to be used by him. But I don’t know if she’s really foolish enough to give away the poetry and literature to the Second Prince!”